Last year Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross campaigned to have most of his team’s early home games start at 4 p.m., or later.

Even though most teams - and fans – think playing games at 1 p.m. under South Florida’s heat and humidity gives the Dolphins an advantage, Ross plans to continue advocating for the fans who actually attend the game.

That’s why he’s pushing the NFL for a season with more late starts, and hopes to “duplicate the schedule we had last year,” Ross said on Monday during the NFL owner’s meetings.

“Our goal is to have as few games at 1 p.m. in the early part of the season as possible,” Ross said. “We’ve let the league know that. Last year was a great schedule. If I can duplicate that schedule we’ve done a great job.”

Ross knows how the coaches feel about playing at 1 p.m. (they favor it), but he points out “it’s the fans who come.”

“The fact is when you see you’re winning but still see empty orange seats, and they [the fans] really want to be there, which would you choose?” Ross asked. “I like night games, four o’clock games, that kind of stuff earlier in the year….We’ve let the league know we’d prefer not to have one o’clock games early in September…. It makes for better football fans when you’re there and watching the game.”

It's way too hot at 1 pm to enjoy a football game to its fullest, especially if you are on the visiting side of the stadium in the direct sunlight. I enjoy a few beers with my football, and drinking + sun = no fun. Besides, I love watching all the day games as I'm tailgating.

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Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:05 am

Big Dave

Phinfever Owner/Admin

Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:41 amPosts: 10227Location: Raleigh, NC

Re: Miami Dolphins owner lobbies the NFL for more late games

I went to a couple 1pm games in the past. If it helps us to win, heck, I can sit through it. The players have to play through it.

Our team has a major advantage against basically any team when we play 1pm games... While i admit being in the baking sun drunk isnt the ideal conditions I much rather be winning and hot then losing in the cool

Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:34 am

fonzy

Phinfever All Pro

Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:12 amPosts: 347

Re: Miami Dolphins owner lobbies the NFL for more late games

I think the heat factor is overrated. We've won games in the cold recently, and weve lost games we should have won in our stadium at 1 pm.

Nothing compares to those late night games, its like the team has a different fan base when we play at night. 1pm games are always filled with the other team's fans for some reason.

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Tue Mar 23, 2010 11:27 am

catman_56

Phinfever Hall of Famer

Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:37 pmPosts: 894Location: Orlando, Fl

Re: Miami Dolphins owner lobbies the NFL for more late games

I like 1pm games from a fan standpoint because I drive down from Orlando when I go to the games. And also from a team standpoint because I do believe the heat factor at that time gives a real advantage just like the Packers when it freezes over.